MONROVIA – The Ministry of Labor has dismissed Inspector Matthew Johns following revelations of his involvement in fraudulent activities connected to the issuance of work and residence permits, marking a decisive move by the government to enforce integrity within the labor administration system.
Labor Minister Cooper W. Kruah confirmed the dismissal on Tuesday morning while speaking to journalists at his office in Congo Town. He said the action followed internal investigations that uncovered evidence linking Johns to the issuance of false receipts to several Indian nationals in exchange for money.
According to Minister Kruah, the investigation established that the dismissed inspector collected funds from foreign nationals under the pretense of facilitating residence permits, bypassing established procedures and official payment systems of the Ministry of Labor.
The Minister disclosed that Johns admitted to receiving US$1,000 from the foreign nationals in return for residence permits. He described the conduct as a grave abuse of public trust and a clear violation of ministry regulations and ethical standards governing public service.
“The dismissal of Mr. Johns should serve as a strong deterrent to anyone within the Ministry who may be considering engaging in similar corrupt practices,” Minister Kruah stated, emphasizing the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
Beyond dismissal, Minister Kruah announced that Johns has been turned over to the Liberia National Police for further investigation. He said the move paves the way for possible criminal prosecution in line with Liberia’s laws on fraud and corruption.
The Labor Minister stressed that the Ministry will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities to ensure the matter is thoroughly investigated and that accountability is enforced without interference.
He further warned all labor inspectors and employees of the Ministry to desist from fraudulent and corrupt practices, noting that internal controls and monitoring mechanisms are being strengthened to prevent similar incidents.
Minister Kruah said the Ministry of Labor remains committed to restoring and maintaining public confidence in its operations, particularly in the administration of work and residence permits for foreign nationals.
He reaffirmed that any employee found culpable of misconduct will face swift and decisive action, adding that adherence to the law and professional standards remains central to the Ministry’s mandate.
